Portability has always been a part of chess where the earliest players used makeshift boards with marked stones or pebbles. Over time, materials like wood, metal, ivory, and others came into play to give players more solid playing fields. Nowadays, chess enthusiasts enjoy strategy games in homes, clubs, and even on the move. And, if you are planning a trip with this board game on the list, look for the best portable chess set for the ultimate on-the-go adventure.
Whether magnetic or foldable, travel-friendly chess can go a long way in allowing you to play and enjoy the game. This guide here will help you find the right outdoor chess set for your next adventure trip. Let’s get started with the factors that influence buying behavior.
Know the Type of Portable Chess Sets
Your favorite chessboard can get bulky and create a fuss when carried around on a trip. A portable set is lightweight, convenient, and easy to store. Moreover, a magnetic travel chess set lets you enjoy the game while withstanding the thumps and bumps of the journey. And you have not one but many options for that. Let’s start exploring them one by one.
Magnetic Chess Sets
A regular chess board won’t hold pieces together when playing on a bumpy ride or picnicking in a windy area. You might lose positions if not the pieces during such a scenario unless you have a portable magnetic chess set. They feature strong magnets to hold pieces in place and prevent disruptions to your game on the move. Plus, you can also pause games and resume later without worrying about losing positions.
Looking for the best magnetic chess set? Get the magnetic chess set board for travel and experience the elegance of on-the-go gaming. The golden rosewood board comes with 34 pieces (2 extra queens) made of sheesham and boxwood. The board is foldable so you can store it with ease while the magnets hold the pieces in place. And, you can get this travel chess set in a desired size with board available in 14-, 10-, and 5-inch size variants.
Foldable Chess Sets
This category covers chess boards that are portable yet big enough to provide a wonderful play experience. Such boards usually fold in half, creating a space within that allows storing pieces when not in use. Available in various sizes, these chess sets can fit in a handbag, backpack, or suitcase with ease. Combine foldable and magnetic and you get the best portable chess set for your next adventure trip.
How about getting 2 games in 1? It’s this 2-in-1 Magnetic Travel Chess & Backgammon set we are talking about. It’s a 10-inch compact game set in golden rosewood with a chessboard on the outside and backgammon inside. It also features a magnetic surface for secure gameplay on the move. The board size is 10 inches on both sides with squares of 26mm size. Weighing at just 870g, it folds to 5 inches on one side and packs 32 Magnetic Chess Pieces, 16+16 Magnetic Backgammon pieces, and 5 dices.
Roll-up Boards
An attractive variation of foldable chess sets, roll-up boards take less space and make up for a flexible playing surface. They are small, lightweight, and can be easily carried in a compact pouch or bag. Add compatible chess pieces and get a portable chess set that you can take wherever you go.
Check out this combo of roll-up board and 2.6” chess pieces. The pieces are Russian Zagreb in ebonized boxwood with an ebony and maple wood board of 40mm squares. You also get a golden rosewood storage box to keep your pieces secure. In short, it’s a mix of premium, portability, and functionality with antique reproduction chess pieces.
Pocket-size Chess Set
Still looking for a smaller chess set that fits comfortably in your pocket? You can get one smaller than your smartphone. These compact boards start at 5 inches, featuring foldable and non-foldable styles with storage for chess pieces. You can also get 2-in-1 portable gaming sets that allow you to play backgammon and chess on a single board.
What to Look for in a Portable Chess Set?
Finding the best travel chess set can be tricky with variations in styles, weights, sizes, and materials. But you can find the right one if you consider a few important factors as given below:
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Weight and Size: Are you packing light stuff for the trip? Get a compact set that doesn’t add a lot to the weight. Or you can pack a bigger board if you don’t like smaller ones but keep in mind the weight and size parameters. For frequent travelers, smaller chess sets are perfect while those visiting local cafes or parks can carry larger boards.
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Material and Durability: When adding an outdoor chess set as a permanent item to your travel kit, a durability check is a must. The material and construction define how strong it will be. Here, wooden chess sets made of strong wood like ebony, rosewood, and others offer much-needed strength and durability. Add a touch of luxury with a leatherette chess set that combines playability with convenience and portability.
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Magnetic vs Non-magnetic: The core difference here lies in where you intend to use the chess board and pieces. For on-the-move games and unstable environments, a magnetic travel chess set is an ideal choice. However, you can opt for a non-magnetic set if you play in stationary settings more often. With this, you can find more variations in styles and sizes.
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Storage and Other Features: Usually, storage is a feature of portable chess sets with built-in compartments being common. However, you can also find some chess sets with separate pouches or storage boxes to keep pieces safe and secure. Foldability is another feature that comes in handy when you are looking for a bigger board with a smaller packing space.
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Aesthetics: You can’t ignore this part. The look and feel of a chess set matters too. And the choice depends on your personal preference. You can go for an ornate traditional style or pick a modern, minimalist design. Making the right choice here will allow you to enjoy playing with the travel chess set for a long.
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Budget: Considering the material, quality, size, aesthetics, and other features, the portable set you like can be affordable or highly expensive. While a good investment lasts longer, consider your budget and determine your buying power to narrow your choices.
Shop for the Best Portable Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall
Eventually, the best travel chess set for you can be magnetic, non-magnetic, foldable, big, small, or any other. It all comes down to your preferences, playing needs, and budget. Whatever you choose, it should be backed by careful material selection, top-notch craftsmanship, and lasting quality. Royal Chess Mall takes pride in ticking all these factors with artisans who have decades of experience and stringent quality control measures. Also, you will get your favorite chess delivered to your doorsteps with reliable shipping partners, serving globally.
Shop for the best portable chess sets here.
